HOW TO GET FLORIDA REAL ESTATE LICENSE

How to Get a California Real Estate License: Complete Guide for Pre-License Students

Starting a career in real estate in California begins with obtaining a real estate salesperson license issued by the California Department of Real Estate (DRE). While the process may initially seem complicated, it becomes much easier when broken down into clear steps.

This guide follows the official licensing process established by the DRE. It expands on each step to help pre-license students fully understand what they must do to become licensed and begin working in the real estate industry.

Quick Overview: Steps to Get a California Real Estate License

Here are the 7 main steps required to become a licensed real estate salesperson in California:

1. Meet the eligibility requirements
2. Complete 135 hours of approved real estate education
3. Submit your real estate examination application
4. Complete fingerprinting and background check
5. Schedule and pass the real estate licensing exam
6. Submit your real estate license application (if not using the combined process)
7. Receive your license and begin working under a licensed broker

Below is a detailed explanation of each step in the licensing process.

Step 1: Meet the Requirements

Before beginning the licensing process, you must confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements established by the California Department of Real Estate.

To qualify for a California real estate salesperson license, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• California residency is not required.
  • Out-Of-State applicants must follow additional steps. If you are not a California resident, please check Out-of-State Applicants.
• Have a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
• Applicants must provide truthful information; criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify an applicant, but the DRE may deny a license if the offense is substantially related to real estate duties or if the applicant provides false information.

Important:

A real estate salesperson cannot work independently. Even after obtaining a license, a salesperson must work under the supervision of a licensed real estate broker before performing licensed real estate activities.

Members of the California State Bar may be exempt from certain education requirements based on their legal training.

A license is required to perform any activity defined under California Real Estate Law as a licensed real estate activity. Even if you do not plan to work immediately with a broker, you must still hold a valid license to legally engage in real estate transactions.

Step 2: Complete the Required Real Estate Education

Before applying for the real estate licensing exam, applicants must complete three college-level real estate courses (135 hours) approved by the DRE.

These courses are designed to provide the legal, financial, and practical knowledge necessary to operate as a licensed real estate professional.

Required Courses

All salesperson applicants must complete the following:

1. Real Estate Principles (45 hours)

This foundational course introduces students to the structure of the real estate industry, property ownership, legal rights, land use controls, valuation, financing, and real estate law.

2. Real Estate Practice (45 hours)

This course focuses on the daily responsibilities of real estate professionals, including agency relationships, listing agreements, disclosures, ethics, marketing property, and working with buyers and sellers.

3. Elective Course Requirement

In addition to the two core courses, applicants must complete one elective course from the following list:

• • Real Estate Appraisal
  • Property Management
  • Real Estate Finance
  • Real Estate Economics
  • Legal Aspects of Real Estate
  • Real Estate Office Administration
  • General Accounting
  • Business Law
  • Escrows
  • Mortgage Loan Brokering and Lending
  • Computer Applications in Real Estate
  • Common Interest Developments

Important Tip for Students: Keep copies of official transcripts and course completion certificates, because you must submit proof of course completion when applying for the licensing examination.

Step 3: Submit Your Real Estate Examination Application

Once your education requirements are completed, the next step is submitting your examination application to the California Department of Real Estate.

Applicants may choose between two application methods.

Option 1: Apply for the Real Estate Salesperson Examination Only

Some applicants choose to apply only for the salesperson examination first. This option allows you to take the exam before submitting your license application.

If you choose this option, you will apply to take the exam. After passing the exam, you must submit a separate license application before your license can be issued.

Steps:

To apply for the real estate salesperson examination through the California Department of Real Estate, follow these steps:

1. Complete the Salesperson Examination Application (RE 400A).
2. Gather the required documents, including:
   • Official transcripts showing course completion
   • Name change documentation (if applicable)
   • Reasonable Accommodations Request (RE 413) if needed
3. Submit the application online through the DRE eLicensing system or by mail
4. Pay the required examination application fee.
5. Wait for the DRE to review and approve your application.
6. Once approved, schedule your real estate licensing exam.
7. Take and pass the salesperson examination.
8. After passing the exam, submit a separate Salesperson License Application (RE 202) to obtain your license.

Applying Online (Recommended)

The fastest way to submit your examination application is through the eLicensing system provided by the California Department of Real Estate.

Follow these steps:

1. Create a user profile in the eLicensing portal.
2. Log in to your account and select Online Exam License Application.
3. Choose the Salesperson Examination Application.
4. Upload the required documents, including:
   • Official course transcripts
   • Name change documentation (if applicable)
   • Reasonable Accommodations Request (RE 413), if needed
5. Review and certify that the information in the application is accurate.
6. Pay the examination fee using a credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, or Discover).
7. Submit the application.

Tip: The eLicensing system allows you to save your application and return later if you need additional time to gather documents.

Applying by Mail

Applicants may also submit the examination application by mail.

Follow these steps:

1. Complete the Salesperson Examination Application (RE 400A).
2. Attach official transcripts showing completion of the required real estate courses.
3. Include the required examination fee, paid by:
   • Check or money order payable to the Department of Real Estate
   • Credit card authorization using Form RE 909
4. Include the Reasonable Accommodations Request (RE 413) if accommodations are needed.
5. Mail the completed application and documents to: Department of Real Estate 651 Bannon Street, Suite 503 Sacramento, CA 95811

Important: Applicants cannot apply for the examination if they already have a license that is eligible for renewal.

Option 2: Apply for the Combined Salesperson Exam and License Application Process

Applicants may choose to apply for the real estate salesperson examination and license at the same time by submitting the Salesperson Exam/License Application (RE 435). This combined option allows the California Department of Real Estate to begin reviewing the license portion of the application earlier, potentially speeding up the licensing process.

Steps:

1. Prepare Your Application and Fees

• • Submit the combined application form and pay both the examination fee and the license fee at the same time.
  • The application package may include related forms such as RE 216B and RE 435A.

2. Complete Fingerprinting Requirements

• • Fingerprinting must be completed before your license can be issued.

3. Submit Required Documentation

• • Reasonable Accommodations Request (RE 413) if you require exam accommodations.
  • Out-of-state applicants: Submit a completed and notarized Irrevocable Consent to Service of Process (RE 234) before a license can be issued.
  • Any missing documents can be submitted later, as long as they are provided within the two-year application period.

4. Important Deadlines and Exam Information

• • You must pass the salesperson examination within two years from the date the application is filed.
  • If this deadline is not met, the application and fees will expire.
  • If a significant amount of time passes between the application date and passing the exam, the DRE may require updated information before issuing the license.

5. Special Situations

• • Applicants who already have a valid exam application on file may still submit the combined form and pay the license fee to begin the license review process.
  • The combined application is commonly used because it allows applicants to complete the exam and licensing process more efficiently. At the same time, the DRE reviews the license application in advance.

Apply Online

1. Create a user profile on the DRE eLicensing portal (if you don’t already have one).
2. Log in and select Online Exam License Application.
3. Choose the “Combined Exam & License Application (RE 435)”.
4. Upload all required documents:
   • Official transcripts
   • Live Scan request (RE 237) if you are a California resident, or FBI fingerprint card (FD-258) if out-of-state.
   • Name change documents (if applicable)
   • Reasonable accommodations form (RE 413), if needed
5. Review and certify that all information is correct.
6. Pay the combined fee using a credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover).
7. Submit your application.
8. After DRE approval, schedule your exam through eLicensing.

Apply by Mail

1. Complete the Combined Salesperson Exam and License Application (RE 435).
2. Attach the required documents:
   • Official transcripts
   • Live Scan request (RE 237) if you are a California resident or FBI fingerprint card (FD-258) if out-of-state.
   • Name change documentation, if needed
   • Reasonable accommodations request (RE 413), if applicable
3. Include the combined application fee:
   • Check or money order payable to the Department of Real Estate
   • Or credit card authorization using Form RE 909
4. Mail all documents to: Department of Real Estate 651 Bannon Street, Suite 503 Sacramento, CA 95811
5. Once the DRE reviews your application and determines you are qualified, you will receive instructions to schedule your exam.

After submitting your application

Once the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) processes your application:

• The DRE will review your application to verify that you meet all qualifications.
• If approved, you will receive instructions to schedule your exam either:
  • Through an Examination Schedule Notice (RE 401A) mailed to you, or
  • Via an email, allowing you to schedule your exam online through eLicensing.
• You must wait for your fingerprint results to be received by the DRE before scheduling the exam.
• You can check your exam schedule, reschedule if needed, or request a duplicate exam notice through eLicensing.
• Timeline Reminder: You have two years from the date your application is received to meet all qualifications and pass the exam. If the exam is not passed within this period, your application will expire, and you must submit a new application with the associated fees and documents.
• After passing the exam and completing all requirements, your license will be issued automatically. You can print your license certificate directly from your eLicensing account.

Step 4: Complete Fingerprinting and Background Check

All applicants must submit classifiable fingerprints so the DRE can conduct a criminal background check.

• California Residents: Applicants living in California must complete fingerprinting through the Live Scan Program using Form RE 237. A $49 processing fee is paid directly to the Live Scan service provider.
• Out-of-State Applicants: Applicants who live outside California may either:
• Travel to California to complete Live Scan fingerprinting, or
• Submit an FBI fingerprint card (FD-258) with their license application.

Fingerprint results must be received by the DRE before a license can be issued. Fingerprint fees are nonrefundable, even if the applicant does not pass the exam.

If you need more information about fingerprinting, please check Fingerprinting Requirements on the DRE website.

Step 5: Schedule and Take the Real Estate Licensing Exam

Once your application has been approved by the California Department of Real Estate (DRE), the next step is to schedule your real estate salesperson examination. Understanding how the exam is scheduled and what to expect is essential for success.

Exam Scheduling

• Exams are scheduled based on application volume: The DRE assigns exam dates according to the number of applications received.
• Availability is limited by seating capacity at each test site and the demand for that location.
• Electronic exams are offered at the following locations:
  • Fresno
  • San Diego
  • Los Angeles Vicinity
  • Oakland
  • Sacramento

Note: Specific locations within these areas cannot be requested. However, you can select the exam date and site using the eLicensing online system.

• Exam cancellations: If unforeseen circumstances force the closure of a testing center, your exam will be rescheduled at no additional cost. The DRE is not responsible for travel expenses, lost wages, or other costs incurred on the exam day.

If you need more information about how to Reschedule Your California Real Estate Exam, check the  Reschedule Your Exam page on the DRE site.

Online Scheduling (New Feature)

The DRE’s eLicensing system now allows qualified examinees to self-schedule their exam, even on short notice:

• Examinees may schedule themselves as late as 6:00 a.m. on the day of the exam.
• Once scheduled, you can print a barcoded exam schedule notice directly from eLicensing.
• Applicants who schedule online will no longer receive mailed exam notices.

This feature gives students flexibility and control over their exam date.

Exam Format

The California real estate salesperson exam has the following format:

• Duration: 3 hours
• 150 multiple-choice questions
• Passing score: 70%

Exam Rules

To ensure a fair testing environment, the following rules apply:

Applicants must:

• Arrive 30 minutes early
• Bring a valid government-issued photo ID (Current state-issued driver’s license or DMV identification card, U.S passport or Passport issued by a foreign government, or U.S military ID)
• Prohibited items include cell phones, purses, backpacks, food or drinks, study materials, tablets, laptops, PDAs, watches, and any recording devices

Please check the Taking the Exam page on the DRE site

Conduct and Penalties

Violating exam rules can result in serious consequences, including:

• Misdemeanor criminal charges
• License denial or revocation
• Fines up to $10,000
• A three-year ban from taking any real estate licensing exam

After the Examination

Receiving Your Results

• Since all California real estate exams are now administered electronically at DRE testing centers, your pass/fail results are available immediately upon completion of the exam.
  • If you fail, you will receive a percentage breakdown by subject area.
  • If you pass, you will receive only a pass notification — no numerical score.

Passing the Exam

• If You Pass

If you submitted the combined exam and license application, the DRE will continue processing your license once all requirements are satisfied.

If you applied for the exam only, you must submit the Salesperson License Application (RE 202).

• If You Do Not Pass

Applicants may retake the exam.

There is no limit on the number of attempts within the two-year period following your original application. After two years, a new application and qualification are required.

How to Apply for a Retake

• Use the eLicensing online system to expedite processing, or submit the appropriate form:
  • Salespersons: RE 418A / RE 415A
• Forms must be submitted only after results are released to avoid incurring fees.

Please check the Taking the Exam page on the DRE site

Step 6: Apply for Your Real Estate License (For applicants who applied for the Real Estate Salesperson Examination Only)

Applicants who did not use the combined application must submit the Salesperson License Application (RE 202).

This application requires:

1. Completed license application form
2. Pay the license fee
3. Fingerprint background check confirmation
4. All documents should be mailed to: Department of Real Estate 651 Bannon Street, Suite 503 Sacramento, CA 95811

Step 7: License Issued

Once the California Department of Real Estate reviews and approves all required documentation, your California real estate salesperson license will be issued.

Licensees can print their license certificate directly from the DRE website through their eLicensing account.

At this point, you may begin working in the real estate industry under the supervision of a licensed real estate broker.

Working Under a Licensed Broker

After receiving your salesperson license from the DRE, you must work under the supervision of a licensed real estate broker before performing any activity that requires a real estate license.

While it is possible to obtain a California salesperson license without selecting a broker during the application process, you cannot legally conduct real estate transactions until your license is placed under an active supervising broker.

Many new licensees begin interviewing brokerages while preparing for the licensing exam so they can start working soon after their license is issued.

How Long Does It Take to Get a California Real Estate License?

The time required to obtain a California real estate license varies depending on how quickly students complete their education, submit their application, and schedule their licensing exam.

For most applicants, the entire process typically takes about 3 to 6 months from start to finish.

However, highly motivated students who complete their coursework quickly and move through the application process efficiently may be able to finish in as little as 2–3 months (approximately 54–60 days).

The timeline is primarily influenced by three major steps:

• Completing the required education
• Submitting and processing the application
• Scheduling and passing the licensing exam through the California Department of Real Estate

Education Requirement (135 Hours)

Before applying for the real estate exam, students must complete three DRE-approved college-level real estate courses totaling 135 hours.

California regulations require that each course be completed over a minimum of 18 days, meaning the fastest legally allowed completion time for all three courses is 54 days.

However, many students take longer because they balance coursework with work or personal responsibilities. As a result, most students complete their education in 2 to 4 months.

Application Processing and Background Check

After completing the required education, applicants must submit their examination application to the DRE.

Processing times can vary depending on application volume. In many cases:

• Standard exam applications may take approximately 6 to 8 weeks to process.
• Combined exam and license applications may sometimes be processed faster, often within 2 to 3 weeks, because the license review process begins earlier.

Applicants must also complete fingerprinting so the DRE can conduct a criminal background check before issuing a license.

Exam Scheduling and Passing the Exam

Once the application is approved, applicants can schedule their real estate salesperson examination.

The scheduling timeline depends on testing center availability and demand in each region. On average, applicants may wait 3 to 5 weeks for an available exam appointment.

To pass the exam, candidates must score at least 70 percent on the 150-question multiple-choice examination.

Most applicants complete the entire licensing process in about 3 to 6 months.

Students who move through the process quickly, complete their education as soon as legally permitted, and schedule their exam promptly may be able to obtain their license in as little as 2 to 3 months.

How Much Does a California Real Estate License Cost?

Fee Type	Salesperson
Original Exam	$100
License	$350
Fingerprint Processing	$49
Combined Exam & License	$450

Note: Fingerprint processing is paid to the Live Scan provider for California residents and to the DRE for out-of-state fingerprint cards.

All fees are nonrefundable. Other fees (renewals, corporation licenses, restricted licenses) are listed on the DRE Fee Schedule.

Key Tips for Pre-License Students

To ensure a smooth licensing process, keep the following tips in mind:

• Keep all transcripts and course completion certificates ready before applying.
• Complete fingerprinting as early as possible to avoid delays in license issuance.
• Schedule your exam as soon as your application is approved.
• Follow all exam rules and conduct guidelines carefully.
• Track your two-year application window to avoid restarting the process.

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